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POWER HACKSAW USE

Speed (strokes per minute) and feed pressure are the two factors that greatly determine power hacksaw blade performance.

As stroke rate and pressure are increased, blade life decreases, therefore it is important not to overwork the blade, creating excessive frictional heat and premature blade wear.

Because of vast differences between applications and materials, exact recommendations of feed pressures are impossible to determine. The conditions of the workpiece and the chips are the telltale factors. If vibration is severe, the feed pressure is excessive. If chips are blue or burned or tooth breakage occurs, again, feed pressure is excessive. Crooked cuts may also result.

Too many strokes per minute will prematurely dull the teeth because the teeth are rubbing, not cutting, creating high frictional heat. Powdery chips also indicate insufficient pressure, and probably too much speed.

A well curled chip, free of any color, is a sign the best combination of feed pressure and speed has been reached.

Correct tensioning of the blade is very critical. A loose blade will usually cut off, or cut crooked. Too much tension may elongate the pin holes severely and breakage could occur.

CUTTING RECOMMENDATIONS – POWER HACKSAW BLADES
Type of MaterialNumber of Teeth per InchStrokes per Min.Feed
Material 2″ and UnderMaterial Over 2″Inches per StrokePounds Pressure
Aluminum – Alloy64100-150.003-.01260
Aluminum -Pure64100-135.003-.01260
Brass – Free Machining6-104-6120-150.003-.01260
Brass – Hard6-106100-135.003-.00660
Brass – Tubing10-1410-14120-150.003-.00660
Bronze – Commercial6-104-690-120.003-.006120
Bronze – Manganese6-10660-90.003-.00660
Copper6-104-690-120.006-.009120
High Density Alloys – A2864450-75.006-.009300-400
High Density Alloys – Discalloy4450-75.006-.009300-400
High Density Alloys – Hastelloy4450-75.006-.009300-400
High Density Alloys – Titanium4450-75.006-.009300-400
Iron – Cast6-104-690-120.009-.012120
Iron – Malleable6-10690.006-.009125
Iron – Pipe10-1410-1490-120.003-.00960-100
Magnesium64120-150.009-.01580
Nickel Alloy – Inconel6-104-650-80.003-.009100-120
Nickel Alloy – Monel6-104-660-90.003-.009100-150
Nickel Alloy – Nickel6-104-660-90.003-.009100-150
Nickel Steel6-10660.003-.006150
Steel – Alloy6-104-660-120.003-.009100-150
Steel – Carbon Tool6-10660-90.003-.009120
Steel – Cold Rolled64-6100-135.006-.012125
Steel – Hot Rolled64-6100-135.006-.012125
Steel – High Speed6-10660-90.003-.006120
Steel – Machinery6-104-6100-135.006-.009150
Steel – Pipe and Tubing10-146-1490-135.006-.00950-100
Steel – Stainless6-104-660-90.003-.009100-150
Steel – Structural6-106-1090-135.003-.006120
Steel – Tool6-10660-90.003-.009120

These figures are given as a guide and are approximate for machines in good mechanical condition. In cases where more than one tooth specification is given, select the proper blade on the the basis of the shape and size of the material. Use a blade with coarser teeth for cutting large, solid stock; a blade with finer teeth for cutting smaller stock.

Blades should be wide enough to withstand required pressure. . . 1″ and 1 1/4″ for light cutting (such as pipe or tubing) with short blades. . . 1 1/4″ to 2″ for heavy cutting with longer blades. It is important to use a cutting lubricant for all metals except cast iron.

Made in USA with global materials

12290 Olean Rd
Chaffee, NY 14030
(800) 828-1180

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